Story 2 of 6
By Shida Asmaeil-Yari, KAB Member
When I think back to 2018 International Breast Cancer Paddlers’ Commission (IBCPC) Festival in Florence, Italy, I have fond memories while being there. Just being able to participate as a paddler was amazing. How many people can say that they paddled on the Arno River?
2018 IBCPC Festival was held in beautiful Florence, Italy 
The race course on the Arno River, Florence, Italy
I was on a ‘composite team’ with some of our Knot A Breast Breast Cancer Survivor Dragon Boat (KAB) teammates. The composite teams consist of members from more than one Breast Cancer Survivor dragon boat team that come together just to race at the festival, because they do not have enough members from one team going to make up a full 20 racers in a boat. I really didn’t know what to expect while paddling with another team.
At the first practice we were introduced to a team from a very small town in France, Cambrèsis Dragon Boat Team from Caudry. They didn’t speak English and we didn’t speak French. However, we somehow communicated. Since we as KAB had more experience, the women from France followed everything we did while racing. The French team was very grateful for having us in their boat.
The composite team pacers and engine room paddlers in the front half of the dragon boat
The composite team rocket paddlers in the stern of the dragon boat
Knot A Breast and Cambrèsis composite dragon boat team leading the race in Lane 3
We noticed during practice that this team was very new at dragon boating, but they had so much fun just paddling. I have always been competitive and also think everyone on KAB has a competitive streak. I realized while paddling with this team to just have fun; winning isn’t important. Having said this, we did win one of our races and the smiles on the French team were priceless. The France paddlers were so ecstatic to win their first ever race. They kept saying, “We love Canada!” and they hugged us tight.
A jubulient composite Knot A Breast and Cambrèsis dragon boat team
after winning their race
Proud Knot A Breast team members that raced on the composite team:
(left to right) Karen Goldsmith, Sharon Hielema, Nancy Hindmarsh, Leslie Williams, Lynn Youngman, Penny Enos, Shida Asmaeil-Yari, Vera Fritz, and Anna Candelori
When we got off at the dock I saw our KAB coach, Kathy Levy, with a big smile on her face. She was so proud of us not because we won a race but for being so helpful to these women. I came to the realization how fortunate we are as KAB to have a coach like Kathy. She might work us harder, but it all pays off in the end. She has taught us no matter how many races we win to always be humble.
